How Does Ammonia Work For Powerlifting?

There is a common practice among powerlifters and other athletes to sniff ammonia before a strong lift or during a competition.

However, I will explain why so many powerlifters still frequently engage in the practice, what ammonia truly does to your body, and if it is safe to use. The evidence on the usefulness of sniffing ammonia for strength performance is quite limited and deserves additional exploration.

What Are Smelling Salts/Ammonia?

Ammonia (NH3) is a nitrogen-hydrogen compound that, at normal temperature, exists as a colorless gas with a pungent smell.

Bottles or capsules of what appear to be “smelling salts” at gyms and powerlifting matches contain an “Aromatic Ammonia Spirit.”

Alcohol, water, and ammonia are the three main components of aromatic ammonia spirit. Slight variations in aroma can be achieved by adding fragrances or other substances, but the effects and responses are generally comparable.

Please note that while the term “ammonia” will be used throughout this page to refer to aromatic ammonia spirit products (i.e., smelling salts), ammonia should never be ingested alone.

Who is ammonia for?

It is generally safe to use aromatic salts to assist someone restore consciousness after passing out. However, there is insufficient data to determine whether or not smelling salts, in general, pose any health risks when used repeatedly or for other purposes.

How Does Ammonia Work?

You might say that ammonia is a type of stimulant. It causes an “inhalation reflex” response when it irritates the nerve endings in the nasal passages, the lungs, and the mucous membranes.

Your inhalation reflex is your body’s protective response to irritation in your airways, triggered by your central nervous system. Adrenaline is produced, prompting a rise in heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen delivery to the body and brain.

The “fight or flight” response is a name for that sensation. A whiff of ammonia prepares the body for battle; in powerlifting, the only enemy is a barbell.

Why do powerlifters use ammonia?

Many weightlifters claim that sniffing ammonia (either from a single-use ammonia capsule or smelling salts) before a large lift helps them stay focused, improves concentration, and lessens dizziness and pain.

4 benefits of smelling salts for powerlifting:

Lifters often smell ammonia for the following four reasons:

1.    Raising one’s level of concentration and consciousness.

2.    Doing so can help avoid dizziness and fainting.

3.    Lessen the intensity of pain and discomfort

4.    Strengthen your muscles so that you can eventually lift heavier loads.

1.   Reduce pain

Ammonia numbs the central nervous system, which means you can push through any pain and give it your all, even if you’re feeling a little tender.

The sport of powerlifting has been known to leave its participants feeling battered and bruised, so the last thing you need is a reminder of any lingering aches and pains just before a challenging lift.

Ammonia triggers the production of adrenaline in the human body, which reduces the intensity of any pain or discomfort the person may be experiencing.

2.   Lift more weight

Sniffing ammonia is a common practice among weightlifters because they feel it improves performance and allows them to lift more weight.

The fourth and final argument is the most contentious of the four because the available evidence suggests that ammonia inhalants do not increase overall strength output.

A recent study in trained males, however, found some evidence that the mental impacts of increasing attention and entering “fight mode” can lead to better performance, particularly in sports where a lot of force has to be created.

3.   Increase focus and alertness

Sniffing ammonia is a physical way to achieve a heightened state of concentration and focus.

Anyone who has ever sniffed ammonia before a lift will tell you that they completely clear the mind of all potential distractions and ideas. You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time, focused solely on the task at hand.

The ammonia in the gym triggers our natural “fight” reaction, which is designed to remove anxiety and get us ready to go after whatever is attacking us, which may be a weight we’ve never attempted lifting before.

4.   Prevent fainting

Ammonia can be used as a reactionary and preventative strategy against fainting and dizziness.

A spotter saved a barbell from crashing to the ground after he successfully completed a deadlift on his third try in a competition. At that point, the lifter’s eyes rolled back into his head.

The lifting can make some people dizzy, and some even pass out before, during, or after the process. If you have a bad fall and hit your head, it can be quite disturbing and even dangerous.

Are Smelling Salts Safe?

Since the ammonia content in smelling salts is sufficiently low to be hazardous with infrequent usage, its use is generally considered safe for adults, with little to no detrimental effects. Take care since inhaling too much of it might burn your airways and cause your eyes to water excessively.

Are smelling salts for powerlifting legal?

Although ammonia can be used as a stimulant in powerlifting contests, there may be restrictions on when you can take a whiff of it, depending on the powerlifting league you compete in. The use of ammonia in public view is prohibited by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

Final Thoughts

Powerlifting is a sport that focuses on moving the highest amount of weight feasible. As a result, lifters will do all it takes to ensure ideal conditions for delivering their absolute best performance.

Do you have to sniff ammonia to be a good athlete? No.

Do you think it gives you a more rugged appearance? Probably.

Will it allow you to reach your full potential? Maybe.

Although it is not yet known whether or not ammonia increases the weight on the bar, it is in every lifter’s best advantage to eliminate any distractions and concentrate on the barbell so that they may put out their maximum effort.

The answer depends on your preferred method of concentration. If you need an extra boost to perform well, ammonia is a safe and easily accessible choice.